balkline

noun

balk·​line ˈbȯ-ˌklīn How to pronounce balkline (audio)
1
: a line across a billiard table near one end behind which the cue balls are placed in making opening shots
2
a
: one of four lines parallel to the cushions of a billiard table dividing it into nine compartments
b
: a billiards game that sets restrictions in scoring caroms according to these lines

Examples of balkline in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The main carom billiards games are straight rail, balkline and especially three cushion billiards. John Torsiello, courant.com, 13 Nov. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'balkline.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of balkline was in 1839

Dictionary Entries Near balkline

Cite this Entry

“Balkline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/balkline. Accessed 4 Oct. 2024.

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